Having a home security or fire alarm system helps ensure the safety of your family and to protect your property. Having this 24/7 protection provides the peace of mind we all want and need. However, with any technology comes special considerations. In the case of home security technologies, the special consideration is taking steps to reduce false alarms.

Over the years, fire alarm systems have become more complex and sensitive, yet increasingly accurate. Many people remember the fire alarm systems of the past which suffered from “false alarm syndrome” with systems being accidently set off due to various circumstances.

Not only did it create a problem for local emergency response teams, these occurrences led to “occupant conditioning” which caused residents to ignore alarms. Today, fire alarm systems are more reliable and accurate than ever, but we still need to do our part to reduce false alarms.

Together Reducing False Alarms

Nobody wants to set off or have their system set off a false alarm. False alarms sometimes cause unnecessary dispatches of emergency responders which increases response times to actual emergencies. With the astounding advances in the technology arena, fire alarm systems have become much more complex and accurate which has reduced false alarms considerably. Keeping the number of false alarms down to a minimum however, still requires some active participation on the part of the users. Here are some ways we can reduce false alarms together:

Work with Qualified and Reputable Companies

Because fire alarm and home security systems are so sensitive, they require being installed by properly trained and qualified system experts. Experts understand how all of the components work together and how they are best employed in individual homes which helps avoid problems that often lead to false alarms.

Learn Your System

Believe it or not, 80% of all false alarms are due to user error. One of the most effective ways to reduce the chance of causing a false alarm is to get to know your system well. Ask your system installer questions about the function of the system and what may impact false alarms. Read all of the material associated with your security system

Train the Users

Anyone using the system should be trained on how to use it properly. Each user should know how to properly arm and disarm the system as well as what can contribute to tripping the alarm accidentally.

Schedule Regular Inspections

With something as important as a home security or fire alarm system. Regular inspections have been shown to reduce false alarms. Many things can contribute to changes in the effectiveness of your system such as home renovations or the addition of pets to the family.

Opt in to Full Integration and Monitoring

When you have a system that includes and ties into your video surveillance system you can log on and view your home remotely to rule out or rule in an emergency.

Reliability and Proactiveness Go Hand In Hand

Nobody wants to “cry wolf” and when you have a monitored fire alarm system reducing false alarms is a top priority. False alarms can result in unnecessary dispatches of emergency responders and increase their response times to actual events and emergencies.Over the last two decades, fire alarm systems have become much more technologically complex and accurate which has reduced false alarms considerably. However, keeping the number of false alarms to a minimum requires proactiveness on all fronts. Here are some ways we can reduce false alarms together:

Choose Qualified Fire Alarm System Installers

Accuracy starts at the foundation. Choose properly trained and certified fire and security system experts will know best practices concerning the proper installation of your system, and how all the components work together. Proper installation will help you avoid the problems that often lead to false alarm situations.

Know How Your System Works

Get to know your fire alarm system well. Read all the literature provided and ask your system installer any questions you may have. The number one cause of false alarms is user error. In fact, 80% of all false alarms are due to user error.

Train All Users

If you have others, such as house sitters or service providers who will be using your system, be sure to train them on the proper usage of the system.

Keep the System Maintained

Regular inspections have been shown to reduce false alarms. Many things can contribute to changes in the effectiveness of your system such as home renovations or the addition of pets to the family.

Utilize All Capabilities

Choose a fully integrated system that ties your fire alarm system into your monitored home security system. If your system includes video surveillance cameras, you can log in and view your property to rule in or rule out any events.

Complete Security Systems is a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1983. It’s not just a business, it’s personal. The CSS family treats each and every employee as part of their extended family and in turn this attitude is passed to our clients. If you have any questions or want to explore home security options, please give us a call.

Lauren has been working at Complete Security Systems for over five years now. She is involved in marketing and process improvement at Complete Security Systems and is dedicated to providing clients with the latest security news and advice.